Method and apparatus for testing fiber optic components

ABSTRACT

An apparatus and method for testing a fiber optic component having two ends includes a device having a sensor, an alarm, and a connector assembly having different types of connectors each being operable to connect the device to either end of a corresponding type of fiber optic component. Upon a connector of the connector assembly connecting the device to the second end of the fiber optic component and upon a light signal being transmitted into the first end of the component for the component to conduct to the second end of the component, the sensor determines a power level of the light signal at the second end of the component and the alarm generates an alarm signal when the power level of the light signal at the second end of the component is greater than a given threshold.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/878,812, filed Jun. 28, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. ______, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

1. Field of the Disclosure

The present disclosure relates to fiber optic component testing apparatuses which provide information indicative of optical loss and continuity of fiber optic components to technicians in a safe and protective environment.

2. Background Art

Technicians test fiber optic components (i.e., optical facilities) when placing the fiber optic components in given locations to ensure the fiber optic components are functioning properly. Fiber optic components include fiber optic strands, jumpers, and cables. One way in which a technician tests a fiber optic component such as a fiber optic cable is by affixing an optical transmitter on the first end of the cable. The technician points the second end of the cable towards a light reflectant object such as a piece of paper, the technician's hand, etc. The optical transmitter emits a signal of visible light into the first end of the cable when the technician turns on the optical transmitter. The second end of the cable emits the (attenuated) visible light after the visible light travels from the first end through the cable. The visible light emitted from the second end of the cable illuminates the paper, the technician's hand, etc., such that the technician is able to see the visible light emitted from the second end of the cable. The technician determines the cable is functioning properly upon seeing the visible light emitted from the second end of the cable. That is, the technician determines the cable is functioning properly if the technician sees visible light emitted out from the second end of the cable when the optical transmitter emits visible light into the first end of the cable.

This testing practice is dangerous because it teaches technicians to indirectly visually observe light signals emitted from fiber optic components. As a result, technicians may determine it is proper to visually observe light signals emitted from fiber optic components by directly looking with their eyes into the ends of fiber optic components in which the light signals are being emitted. This testing practice is dangerous because it teaches technicians to point fiber optic components towards their hands, clothing, etc., and have the light signals emitted from the components radiate their body, clothing, etc.

Because visual light falls into the visible spectrum (400-700 nm), this testing practice gives technicians the false impression that optical signals emitted from fiber optic components are visible and can be seen. A problem with this false impression is that telecommunication fiber optic components may transmit non-visible light signals during normal use. Non-visible (i.e., invisible) light signals fall outside of the light spectrum visible to the naked eye and, as a result, cannot be seen by the naked eye. If a fiber optic component is lit with an invisible signal while being tested by a technician using the visible light optical transmitter, then the technician would likely mistake the invisible signal for the “absence of light” and directly or indirectly view the light signals emitted from the light emitting end of the component. A technician viewing invisible light signals emitted from a lit fiber optic component may be subjected to undue harm. Similarly, a technician pointing the emitting end of a lit fiber optic component on the technician's body, clothing, etc., such that the invisible light signals irradiate the technician's body, clothing, etc. may also be subjected to undue harm, especially with the new power levels of services being transmitted today.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a fiber optic component testing apparatus in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of the first transceiver device of the fiber optic component testing apparatus shown in FIG. 1; and

FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of the second transceiver device of the fiber optic component testing apparatus shown in FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

The present disclosure discloses an embodiment of A Method for testing a fiber optic component having two ends. The method includes obtaining a device having a reflector, a sensor, an alarm, and a connector assembly with different types of connectors each being operable to connect the device to either end of a corresponding type of fiber optic component. The method further includes connecting the device to the second end of the fiber optic component by connecting the corresponding connector of the connector assembly to the second end of the fiber optic component, wherein upon a light signal being transmitted into the first end of the fiber optic component for the fiber optic component to conduct to the second end of the fiber optic component, the reflector reflects the light signal at the second end of the fiber optic component back towards the first end of the fiber optic component, the sensor determines a power level of the reflected light signal, and the alarm generates an alarm signal when the power level of the reflected light signal is greater than a given threshold. The method further includes monitoring for the alarm signal.

The present disclosure discloses an embodiment of an apparatus for testing a fiber optic component having two ends. The apparatus includes a device having a reflector, a sensor, and an alarm. The apparatus further includes a connector assembly having different types of connectors each being operable to connect the device to either end of a corresponding type of fiber optic component. Upon a connector of the connector assembly connecting the device to the second end of the fiber optic component and upon a light signal being transmitted into the first end of the component for the component to conduct to the second end of the component, the reflector reflects the light signal at the second end of the component back towards the first end of the component, the sensor determines a power level of the reflected light signal, and the alarm generates an alarm signal when the power level of the reflected light signal is greater than a given threshold.

The present disclosure discloses an embodiment of an apparatus for testing a fiber optic component having two ends. The apparatus includes a device having a sensor and an alarm. The apparatus further includes a connector assembly having different types of connectors each being operable to connect the device to either end of a corresponding type of fiber optic component. Upon a connector of the connector assembly connecting the device to the second end of the fiber optic component and upon a light signal being transmitted into the first end of the component for the component to conduct to the second end of the component, the sensor determines a power level of the light signal at the second end of the component and the alarm generates an alarm signal when the power level of the light signal at the second end of the component is greater than a given threshold.

Advantages of the fiber optic component testing apparatus in accordance with the present disclosure are numerous. For instance, the fiber optic component testing apparatus provides a visual optical measurement validation device that follows protective and safety recommendations. The fiber optic component testing apparatus not only provides the continuity visualization, but from a safety perspective, also gives the actual measured loss of the overall service. This provides immediate information as to the suitability of fiber optic components to high-powered telecommunications optical signals before the components are placed on optical facility routes. With use of the fiber optic component testing apparatus, testing can be performed at user premises, a telecommunications central office, or at two disparate locations (e.g., miles from one another).

The fiber optic component testing apparatus replaces fiber optic component and cable tests in which technicians visually observe actual light signals emitted out from fiber optic components, yet provides suitable protection from harmful laser/LED radiation. The use of the fiber optic component testing apparatus supports the standards found in the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The Occupational Health and Safety Administration has adopted the standards of the ANSI in regard to this testing.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a block diagram of a fiber optic component testing apparatus 10 in accordance with the present disclosure is shown. In general, a technician uses apparatus 10 to test a fiber optic component 12. Fiber optic component 12 is a component such as a fiber optic strand, a fiber optic jumper, a fiber optic cable, etc. Apparatus 10 is operable to test the optical loss and continuity of fiber optic component 12. Apparatus 10 is also operable to provide visual information indicative of the test results of fiber optic component 12 to the technician in a safe and protective environment. Apparatus 10 includes first and second transceiver devices 14 and 16 for testing the optical loss and continuity of fiber optic component 12 and for providing visual information indicative of the optical loss and continuity of component 12 to the technician. In order to test fiber optic component 12 using apparatus 10, a technician places first transceiver device 14 on a proximal end 18 of component 12 and places second transceiver device 16 on a distal end 20 of component 12.

In general, first transceiver device 14 emits a visible light signal into proximal end 18 of fiber optic component 12. The visible light signal has a given signal strength at proximal end 18. Fiber optic component 12 conducts the visible light signal from proximal end 18 to distal end 20. The visible light signal attenuates while being conducted through fiber optic component 12. Distal end 20 emits (an attenuated version of) the visible light signal. Second transceiver device 16 receives the attenuated visible light signal from distal end 20 of fiber optic component 12. Second transceiver device 16 measures the signal strength of the attenuated visible light signal received from distal end 20. The difference in the signal strengths of the visible light signal at proximal end 18 and distal end 20 of fiber optic component 12 is indicative of the optical loss of component 12. Likewise, second transceiver device 16 being able to receive the visible light signal conducted through fiber optic component 12 from proximal end 18 to distal end 20 with a signal strength meeting a given threshold is indicative of the continuity of component 12.

Referring now to FIG. 2, with continual reference to FIG. 1, a block diagram of first transceiver device 14 is shown. First transceiver device 14 generally includes an optical transmitter 22, a visual power level indicator 24, and a connector assembly 26. Connector assembly 26 includes a plurality of different types of fiber optic component connectors (not shown). Each type of fiber optic component connector is operable to be connected to a corresponding fiber optic component type. Connector assembly 26 enables a technician to selectively choose from the types of fiber optic component connectors in order to properly place first transceiver device 14 on proximal end 18 of fiber optic component 12. The types of fiber optic component connectors provided by connector assembly 26 include, for example, SC-UPC, SC-APC, MU-APC, LC-UPC, and LX 1.5-UPC.

Optical transmitter 22 is operable to transmit light signals which are preferably visible (400-700 nm). Preferably, optical transmitter 22 transmits the visible light signals such that the visible light signals have a radiation power level of less than 9.6 mW (+9.8 dBm) for any emission greater than ten seconds. As such, optical transmitter 22 is preferably a class 2M laser (LED/LCD). When placed on proximal end 18 of fiber optic component 12 and then turned on, optical transmitter 22 emits a visible light signal into component 12.

Visual power level indicator 24 is operable to display visual information indicative of the status of optical transmitter 22 and the test results of fiber optic component 12 for a technician to view in a safe and protective environment. Such visual information includes information indicative of: the power output setting of optical transmitter 22; the power level of the visible light signal received by first transceiver device 14 after being reflected back from second transceiver device 16; and the actual power loss of the visible light signal through fiber optic component 12.

Regarding the power output setting of optical transmitter 22, visual power level indicator 24 is operable with the optical transmitter to receive a signal indicative of the power output setting of the optical transmitter. For example, if optical transmitter 22 is set to transmit a visible light signal having a signal strength of 3.0 mW into proximal end 18 of fiber optic component 12, visual power level indicator 24 generates the visual display “3.0 mW” as the power output setting of optical transmitter 22 for the technician to view.

Regarding the power level of the reflected visible light signal received by first transceiver device 14 from second transceiver device 16, the first transceiver device is operable with the second transceiver device to receive the visible light signal reflected back through fiber optic component 12 from the second transceiver device. To this end, visual power level indicator 24 may include an optical receiver (not shown) for receiving the visible light signal reflected back through fiber optic component 12 from second transceiver device 16. The reflected visible light signal is the visible light signal transmitted from optical transmitter 22 to second transceiver device 16 via the optical light path provided by fiber optic component 12 and then back to the first transceiver device from the second transceiver device via the same optical light path.

Typically, fiber optic component 12 has some sort of attenuation characteristics which attenuate visible light signals conducted through the fiber optic component. Accordingly, the signal strength of a reflected visible light signal received by first transceiver device 14 from second transceiver device 16 is lower than the signal strength of the visible light signal when transmitted from optical transmitter 22 to second transceiver device 16. For example, if the signal strength of the light signal transmitted from optical transmitter 22 is 3.0 mW, then the signal strength of the reflected light signal received by first transceiver device 14 back from second transceiver device 16 may be 1.0 mW. In this case, visible power level indicator 24 generates a visual display “1.0 mW” as the power level of the reflected visible light signal for the technician to view.

As indicated above, visible power level indicator 24 also provides a visual display of the actual power loss of the visible light signal through fiber optic component 12. Power loss of the visible light signal results from fiber optic component 12 attenuating the visible light signal. The actual power loss of the visible light signal can be measured from the difference between the signal strength of the visible light signal transmitted from optical transmitter 22 and the signal strength of the reflected visible light signal received by first transceiver device 14 from second transceiver device 16.

From the example above, the signal strength of the visible light signal transmitted by optical transmitter 22 is 3.0 mW. The signal strength of the reflected visible light signal received by first transceiver device 14 from second transceiver device 16 is 1.0 mW. As such, the actual power loss of the visible light signal through and back through fiber optic component 12 is 2.0 mW (i.e., 3.0 mW-1.0 mW). That is, the actual power loss of a 3.0 mW visible light signal transmitted from proximal end 18 to distal end 20 via fiber optic component 12 and back to the proximal end via component 12 is 2.0 mW. Accordingly, the actual power loss of the visible light signal from proximal end 18 to distal end 20 is one-half of the actual power loss through forward and return paths of fiber optic component 12. In this case, the actual power loss through one path of fiber optic component 12 is 1.0 mW (i.e., ½*2.0 mW). In this case, visual power level indicator 24 generates the visual display of “1.0 mW” as the actual power loss through one path of fiber optic component 12 for the technician to view.

Referring now to FIG. 3, with continual reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, a block diagram of second transceiver device 16 is shown. Second transceiver device 16 also includes a connector assembly 27 having connectors for placing the second transceiver device on distal end 20 of fiber optic component 12. Second transceiver device 16 further includes an optical reflector 28, a visual display 30, and a sensor 32. Optical reflector 28 provides a light reflectant at distal end 20 of fiber optic component 12. Optical reflector 28 reflects the visible light signal transmitted by optical transmitter 22 of first transceiver device 14 through fiber optic component 12 back through component 12 to the first transceiver device.

Visual display 30 is operable with optical reflector 28 to provide a visual display to the technician indicative of the power level or the signal strength of the visible light signal received by second transceiver device 16 from first transceiver device 14. From the example given above, the power level of visible light signal transmitted from optical transmitter 22 is 3.0 mW and the power loss is 1.0 mW through one path of fiber optic component 12. Hence, the power level of the visible light signal received by optical reflector 28 from optical transmitter 22 is 2.0 mW (3.0 mW-1.0 mW). Accordingly, visual display 30 generates a visual display of “2.0 mW” as the power level of the visible light signal received by second transceiver device 16 from first transceiver device 14 for the technician to view.

Sensor 32 monitors for light signals reflected by optical reflector 28 back through fiber optic component 12 to first transceiver device 14. As such, sensor 32 monitors for the visible light signal reflected by optical reflector 28. Preferably, sensor 32 monitors for reflected cohesive light signals having a signal strength of at least −15 dBm. Sensor 32 includes an LED/LCD 34 having a battery or portable powered source. Upon detecting a reflected light signal having a signal strength of at least −15 dBm, sensor 32 activates the battery to cause LED/LCD 34 to flash on-and-off for the technician to visually detect. The flashing LED/LCD 34 indicates to the technician the presence of a “live” optical signal. In the example given above, the signal strength of the visible light signal reflected by optical reflector 28 is 2.0 mW. Accordingly, in this example, sensor 32 would activate the battery to cause LED/LCD 34 to flash using a low-power, non-harmful visible light.

A reflected light signal having a signal strength of at least −15 dBm implies that fiber optic component 12 has continuity. Hence, a flashing LED/LCD 34 visually implies to technicians that fiber optic component 12 has continuity.

Sensor 32 may further include a speaker 36 having a battery or portable powered source. Upon detecting a reflected cohesive light signal having a signal strength of at least −15 dBm, sensor 32 likewise activates the battery to cause speaker 36 to emit a “siren” type of sound for the technician to audibly detect. Hence, an audible speaker 36 audibly implies to technicians that fiber optic component 12 has continuity.

It is to be appreciated that second transceiver device 16 can be used in a stand-alone mode as well as a terminator that identifies a telecommunications laser that begins transmitting through fiber optic component 12. Second transceiver device 16 identifies the presence of the visible light signal and its power, yet visually displays information indicative of the visible light signal in a manner which is safe to technicians by not exposing the technicians to the actual transmitted optical signal or potential hazardous laser/LED radiation.

Preferably, first and second transceiver devices 14, 16 are survivable in a Hazard Level 4 environment for a prolonged period in excess of twenty-four hours. First and second transceiver devices 14, 16 are able to be used on an indefinite period for Hazard Level 3 b or less levels.

As described, fiber optic component testing apparatus 10 provides a visual optical measurement validation device that follows protective and safety recommendations. Second transceiver device 16 not only measures the visible light signal received through fiber optic component 12 from first transceiver device 14, but also translates a measured coherent beam into an electronic signal that provides a low amperage pulse to LED/LCD 34 that may be viewed by the naked eye without the need for any protection devices. Optical transmitter 22 and optical reflector 28 are measured against each other to report the actual measured power loss from end-to-end 18, 20 of fiber optic component 12. As such, fiber optic component testing apparatus 10 provides a rapid method of determining if there are aberrations in the connectivity or terminations in the light path provided by fiber optic component 12.

The illustrations of embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of various embodiments, and they are not intended to serve as a complete description of all the elements and features of methods and apparatuses that might make use of the structures described herein. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. Other embodiments may be used and derived therefrom, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. The Figures are merely representational and may not be drawn to scale. Certain proportions thereof may be exaggerated, while others may be minimized. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

Such embodiments of the inventive subject matter may be referred to herein, individually and/or collectively, by the term “invention” merely for convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to any single invention or inventive concept if more than one is in fact disclosed. Thus, although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that any arrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description.

The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b), requiring an abstract that will allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can be seen that various features are grouped together in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment. 

1. A method for testing a fiber optic component having two ends, the method comprising: obtaining a device having a reflector, a sensor, an alarm, and a connector assembly with different types of connectors each being operable to connect the device to either end of a corresponding type of fiber optic component; connecting the device to the second end of the fiber optic component by connecting the corresponding connector of the connector assembly to the second end of the fiber optic component, wherein upon a light signal being transmitted into the first end of the fiber optic component for the fiber optic component to conduct to the second end of the fiber optic component, the reflector reflects the light signal at the second end of the fiber optic component back towards the first end of the fiber optic component, the sensor determines a power level of the reflected light signal, and the alarm generates an alarm signal when the power level of the reflected light signal is greater than a given threshold; and monitoring for the alarm signal.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein: the alarm includes a light which lights up to generate the alarm signal, wherein the step of monitoring for the alarm signal includes monitoring for the light to light up.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein: the alarm includes a speaker which emits a sound to generate the alarm signal, wherein the step of monitoring for the alarm signal includes monitoring for the speaker to emit the sound.
 4. The method of claim 1 further comprising: obtaining a second device having a transmitter for transmitting light signals; and connecting the second device to the first end of the fiber optic component for the transmitter to transmit the light signal into the first end of the fiber optic component.
 5. The method of claim 4 wherein: the second device further includes a connector assembly with different types of connectors each being operable to connect the second device to either end of a corresponding type of fiber optic component, wherein the step of connecting the second device to the first end of the fiber optic component includes connecting the corresponding connector of the connector assembly of the second device to the first end of the fiber optic component.
 6. The method of claim 4 wherein: the second device further includes a visual display for visually displaying the power level of the reflected light signal; the method further comprises monitoring the visual display.
 7. The method of claim 4 wherein: the second device further includes a visual power level indicator for determining a power level of the light signal transmitted into the first end of the fiber optic component and for visually displaying the power level of the light signal transmitted into the first end of the fiber optic component; the method further comprising monitoring the visual power level indicator.
 8. The method of claim 4 wherein: the second device further includes a visual power level indicator for determining a power level of the reflected light signal at the first end of the fiber optic component and for visually displaying the power level of the reflected light signal at the first end of the fiber optic component; the method further comprising monitoring the visual power level indicator.
 9. The method of claim 4 wherein: the second device further includes a visual power level indicator for determining a power level of the light signal transmitted into the first end of the fiber optic component, for determining a power level of the reflected light signal at the first end of the fiber optic component, for determining a power loss of the light signal transmitted into the first end of the fiber optic component as a function of the power levels of the light transmitted into the first end of the fiber optic component and the reflected light at the first end of the fiber optic component, and for visually displaying the power loss of the light signal transmitted into the first end of the fiber optic component; the method further comprising monitoring the visual power level indicator.
 10. An apparatus for testing a fiber optic component having two ends, the apparatus comprising: a device having a reflector, a sensor, and an alarm; and a connector assembly having different types of connectors each being operable to connect the device to either end of a corresponding type of fiber optic component; wherein upon a connector of the connector assembly connecting the device to the second end of the fiber optic component and upon a light signal being transmitted into the first end of the fiber optic component for the fiber optic component to conduct to the second end of the fiber optic component, the reflector reflects the light signal at the second end of the fiber optic component back towards the first end of the fiber optic component, the sensor determines a power level of the reflected light signal, and the alarm generates an alarm signal when the power level of the reflected light signal is greater than a given threshold.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein: the alarm includes a light which lights up to generate the alarm signal.
 12. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein: the alarm includes a speaker which emits a sound to generate the alarm signal.
 13. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein: the device further includes a visual display for visually displaying the power level of the reflected light signal.
 14. The apparatus of claim 10 further comprising: a second device having a transmitter for transmitting the light signal into the first end of the fiber optic component for the fiber optic component to conduct to the second end of the fiber optic component.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein: the second device further includes a connector assembly having different types of connectors each being operable to connect the second device to either end of a corresponding type of fiber optic component.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein: the second device further includes a visual power level indicator for determining a power level of the light signal transmitted into the first end of the fiber optic component, for determining a power level of the reflected light signal at the first end of the fiber optic component, for determining a power loss of the light signal transmitted into the first end of the fiber optic component as a function of the power levels of the light transmitted into the first end of the fiber optic component and the reflected light at the first end of the fiber optic component, for visually displaying the power level of the light signal transmitted into the first end of the fiber optic component, for visually displaying the power level of the reflected light signal at the first end of the fiber optic component, and for visually displaying the power loss of the light signal transmitted into the first end of the fiber optic component.
 17. An apparatus for testing a fiber optic component having two ends, the apparatus comprising: a device having a sensor and an alarm; and a connector assembly having different types of connectors each being operable to connect the device to either end of a corresponding type of fiber optic component; wherein upon a connector of the connector assembly connecting the device to the second end of the fiber optic component and upon a light signal being transmitted into the first end of the fiber optic component for the fiber optic component to conduct to the second end of the fiber optic component, the sensor determines a power level of the light signal at the second end of the fiber optic component and the alarm generates an alarm signal when the power level of the light signal at the second end of the fiber optic component is greater than a given threshold.
 18. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein: the alarm includes at least one of a light which lights up to generate the alarm signal and a speaker which emits a sound to generate the alarm signal.
 19. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein: the device further includes a visual display for visually displaying the power level of the light signal at the second end of the fiber optic component.
 20. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein: the device further includes a reflector; wherein the reflector reflects the light signal at the second end of the fiber optic component back towards the first end of the fiber optic component, the sensor determines a power level of the reflected light signal, and the alarm generates an alarm signal when the power level of the reflected light signal is greater than a given threshold. 